This is the fourth text we've discussed since Easter Sunday (John 20:19-23; 20:24-31; 21:1-14; 21:15-25). Take a few minutes to summarize the first three texts and their main themes, giving particular attention to 21:1-14.

Why do you think John's Gospel doesn't simply end with the resurrection? What does the presence of these additional stories tell us about what it means to believe in the death and resurrection of Jesus?

John 21:15-17



1. When have we seen something similar to this scene happen in Peter's life? What connection does John seem to be drawing?
2. Read John 13:34-36 and 18:15-18, 25-27. What does Peter promise in chapter 13, and what does he actually do in chapter 18? How does that context shape what is happening in John 21:15-17?
3. In John 13:34, Jesus calls his disciples to love others as he has loved them, not to love him the way he loved them. Why is that distinction significant?
4. After Jesus tells Peter to love and shepherd others, Peter immediately promises that he will lay down his life for Jesus (13:37). Why does he say this? What does it reveal about where Peter's confidence is placed?
5. Peter promised to do for Jesus what Jesus came to do for him. What did Peter need to learn, and what do we need to learn, in order to truly follow Jesus' call to love others?
6. Do you ever feel like you need to accomplish things for Jesus in order for him to be pleased with you? Do you find yourself needing to achieve things for your life to feel worthwhile? How does Peter's story speak to that?

John 21:15-22

   7. If you genuinely believed that Jesus has done everything you need, and will do even more, what difference would that           make in how you live? How does Jesus' commission to Peter in 21:15-22 make sense because of that abundance rather           than in spite of it?

   8. How can we help one another remember our complete dependence on Jesus, and his completely sufficient mercy               and love?

   9. What would it look like for us, as a community, to live out of that sufficiency rather than out of striving? What is one                   concrete step we could take in that direction as a group?